Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace question - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| Undepelo
|  "Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace question"
, posted Sat 7 Jun 13:07  
Im currently trying to troubleshoot my HVAC (heat pump) which I suspect has a bad compressor. Thanks to this forum I've been able to test the compressor resistance across S-C-R. (S-R=1.88KΩ, S-C=2.3Ω, R-C= 1.88KΩ) which means the compressor is shorted, if I'm not mistaken.
The unit inside (furnace=York N2AHD10A06A) has a coil that does not look like it's the original heat exchanger. It looks like the original must have deteriorated and replaced by the one currently installed. It does not seem too deteriorated but its rather small IMO. Basically two aluminum radiator type panels in "V" shape close to each other with a drip pan under them, a bit corroded by the way. My question is, would it be possible that this coil is too small for the task and is overworking the compressor? (Compressor has only 4 years since installed, 5 years warranty non transferable :(.... Does this site allow pictures so I can post the coil?
Thanks in advance for your help, its starting to get hot.
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Replies:
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| yuri
|  "Re(1):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que"
, posted Sat 7 Jun 14:37
Post the pic at photobucket.com. Left click the IMG code and paste it here. Is the outdoor unit a York?
Yuri
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| | Undepelo
| "Re(2):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sat 7 Jun 14:53
Good deal, I'll take a couple of pictures and post them asap. The inside unit is a 1985ish York and the outside unit is a 2004ish York too. I'm rather concerned that it failed so soon. Too bad the warranty isn't transferable.
Thanks
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| | yuri
| "Re(3):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sat 7 Jun 19:41
If it is the original coil and the original outdoor unit had a burnout and dumped acid and contaminants into the system then they circulated into the new outdoor unit and damaged it. You really need a new complete system including refrig lines to ever have any success/reliability. Throwing a new compressor in won't last long if it is contaminated.The process to clean it out is very expensive and not 100% foolproof and must be done by a caring competent tech. Been in the biz 29 yrs and have almost seen it all.
Yuri
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| | Undepelo
| "Re(4):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sun 8 Jun 08:47
Where would the acid in the original compressor be coming from? How does the cost of cleaning vs replacing lines compare to make cleaning even a viable alternative based on what you said?
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| | yuri
| "Re(5):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sun 8 Jun 11:11:
The acid comes from the burning/breakdown of the windings and oil when the original and or second compressor burns out from high temp/power surges/moisture etc. Cleaning is not a viable alternative and is only used on units less than 5 yrs old or expensive over 5 ton commercial units. Requires special chemicals/filters and few techs know how to do it properly. I would buy a new higher SEER more efficient unit. Yours has been bast**dized.
Yuri
[this message was edited by yuri on Sun 8 Jun 11:12] |
| | Undepelo
| "Re(6):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sun 8 Jun 12:25
I see, so the coils on the compressor are cooled by refrigerant? When you say less than 5 years old, you mean the outdoor unit, indoor unit or either? The indoor unit is old but the outdoor unit is 4 years old.
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| | theduke03
| "Re(5):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sun 8 Jun 10:40
Probably cheaper to clean the system(short term). I wouldn't reccommend it cuz the air handler looks like an old P.O.S. series. If your compressor is dead then you should replace the entire system. Get a 14 seer or higher and that will be cheaper (long term). Plus you won't have to wonder when the next breakdown will be.
"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."
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| | Undepelo
| "Re(6):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sun 8 Jun 12:31
Any idea on approximate costs for this kind of replacement? Bases on an 1985 handler efficiency, approximately how long would it be before I would break even, assuming moderate energy consumption (digital prog. thermostat, mild winters in MD and open windows in spring/fall). Your best guess would be very helpful and appreciated.
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| | theduke03
| "Re(7):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sun 8 Jun 12:37
I've got no idea, maybe 10 yrs? Just think how much electricity will cost then. If installed and maintained properly a new system should last over 20 years. Here is something to help you do the math. The system you have now is probably 8-10 seer.
"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."
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| | yuri
| "Re(8):Bad compressor, odd coil in furnace que" , posted Sun 8 Jun 17:47
If the entire system is less than 5 yrs old and seemingly worthwhile to repair then I would do it. My company has to guarantee our work and my Boss would refuse to get involved with something which will generate callbacks and unhappy customers. Your lines etc are in poor shape and a new system is recommended. Nobody will guarantee that unit anymore. It is mismatched and very inefficient.
Yuri
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